Sister Tarpley’s Column: Let’s get B.A.D. not MAD

Cousins Leonard and Cassandra Otero with their son Justice in Clovis, New Mexico, November 10, 2012 at a family gathering.

While shopping at a local discount store, I spotted a man with an acronym on his shirt that had a “B.A.D. Me” and being a curious person I asked the man, “What does B.A.D. stand for?” His response was:

B.A.D. stands for “Blessed And Delivered.” That thought stayed with me throughout the day; so I came up with a little advice for you today. 1) When the enemy tries to attack you, be B.A.D. Pray for the enemy!

2) When things don’t see to be going right on your job, be B.A.D. Take it to the Lord in prayer. 3) When things are not looking good in your marriage, be B.A.D. Talk to your spouse and the two you take it to the Lord in prayer.

4) When folks scandalize your name, just be B.A.D; and take it to the Lord in prayer. Get with somebody that you know that you can be B.A.D. with and praise God.

Good Things to Contemplate as You, Just Hang in There: It is within certain passages of the scriptures that we learn that unholy men have an unrestrained reverence for God’s Word, as well as God’s Will. Peter predicted men will be (scoffers) or they will mock in unbelief the return of the Lord.

Those people who strive to do what’s pleasing in God’s sight will be ridiculed, talked about, laughed at, and considered foolish for their faith in God. The sinner will be skeptical, critical, and question the sanity of the Christians who trust in the coming of the Lord.

Some people do not believe that God will save the world by His only Son, Jesus. Christians will be reviled, reproached, persecuted, denied, rejected by the world, and even by some who claim to be Christians.

My friends, the world has carnal affections. “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subjected to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” Romans 8:7

Just because God is a loving father, and He is long suffering, some people have no fear of His return; they think that they will get away from the wrath of God. But don’t be fooled!

Believers, “Just Hang in There,” in spite of Hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, floods, and people who do not believe. Hold on, keep praying, keep worshipping, keep serving, keep singing, and keep trusting God so that you can hear Him say, “Well done—my son, well done, my daughter, come on up a little higher.

God’s Eternal Love: It’s amazing and incredible, but it’s as true as it can be. God loves and understands us all, and that means you and me. His Grace is all-sufficient, for both the young and old.

It’s sufficient for those that are lonely, and those that are timid. For the brash and for the bold, God’s Grace is indeed sufficient.

No matter what your past has been, trust God to understand. And no matter what your problem is, just place it in His hand. For in all of our un-loveliness, this great God loves us still. He loved us since the world began, and what’s more God always will.

Inspiring Quote of the Week: “Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation”. –Brian Tracy

Think about it: Are you thankful for what you have? It is better to be appreciative of what you have rather than spending your time wishing for what someone else has.

For one thing, you don’t know what it took for them to get what they have. Most importantly, when you are thankful and content with what you have, while working hard to become more successful in your own right, this will help make your dreams come true.

Stop comparing yourself to others, focus on your goals, seek success with the right heart and motives, and watch out for your blessings to overflow. Your gifts will make room for you.

A Final Thought — You can either complain that rose bushes have thorns—or rejoice and praise God that thorn bushes have roses. It’s all how you look at the situation.